Todd Bentley, Fresh Fire Ministry Leader Who 'Heals' People By Kicking, Is Banned From UK

22/08/2012 10:50

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Dina Rickman
Dina Rickman is an assistant editor at The Huffington Post UK

A ' religious healer' who claims he can cure people by kicking them has been banned from the UK - after the Home Office deemed he could "undermine" British society.

Todd Bentley, the leader of Fresh Fire Ministries, based in Lakeland, Florida, planned to tour Britain this month.

The 36-year-old preacher previously claimed he cured a man of cancer by kicking him in the chest.

He is quoted by The Huffington Post discussing kicking an elderly woman in the face saying "just as my boot made contact with her nose, she fell under the power of God."

A Home Office spokesperson told The Huffington Post UK: “We can confirm that Mr Bentley has been excluded from the UK. The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the UK if we believe they are not conducive to the public good.

"Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society.”

"I am deeply saddened by the recent decision of the UK government regarding my entry into the country. At this point, we are thankful to God for the support from our friends in the UK who truly love Jesus and embrace the supernatural, faith and healing.

"We know and believe that the UK has a great destiny, and we are praying for the leaders and those in government. Please continue to stand with us in prayer regarding this decision and our return to the UK."

But spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church welcomed the decision, saying: “The violent activities reported as part of Mr Bentley’s faith healing technique have no part whatsoever in our understanding of a loving, caring and compassionate ministry that is sought often by weak, frail and distressed people."

“The Home Office has a responsibilty to protect vulnerable people and in the light of what we know, is wise to respond in the way it has.”